When Florida Gulf Coast University students were asked how much they think FGCU pays its employees, their answers were far off.
Garrett Cohen, a junior studying education, thought President Wilson Bradshaw makes $70,000 each year. Students have no idea how much of their university’s money goes to campus employees. From top to bottom there’s a wide range of salaries, from six digits to minimum wage. For the record, Bradshaw, in his eighth year at FGCU, earns an annual salary of $395,647.
Bradshaw’s position entails overseeing the university administration, reporting to the Board of Trustees on financial reports and projections, enrollment reports, recommendations for facility and infrastructure repairs and improvements, projects to measure student learning outcomes, diversity goals, and more. President Bradshaw is responsible for implementing the mission statement of the university, providing information to his administrators and faculty, and plans for upcoming projects. Presidents also create and maintain relationships with potential donors. They are the “face” of the university in negotiations with foundations and persons, making them a public relations figure. Bradshaw’s salary is in the top 20 percent of college president salaries in the U.S., according to salary.com.
“I wasn’t expecting Bradshaw to make that much,” Cohen said. “I mean, I don’t know exactly what he does so it’s hard to judge. I still think that’s a lot of money, though. But to run a university, I’m sure it is well deserved.” Cohen makes minimum wage as an employee at the on-campus Chick-fil-a.
Haley Nadeau, a freshman studying athletic training, guessed University Police Chief Steven Moore makes $100,000. She was just about right — Moore earns $106,746 annually. Moore started at FGCU nine years ago, with a starting salary of $90,000. As Chief of University Police and director of public safety, Moore oversees the University Police Department and its operations.
College students may think these salaries are high, but they are on par with national averages. Some students also earn salaries from the school.
Student Body President Domenic Volpi earned $14,616 during his year in office. At the University of Central Florida, the student government president receives a paid salary that ranges from $15,000 to $18,000 per year to oversee a $17.5 million budget and approximately 60,000 students.
Students hired by the school, not elected by students, can also earn a high wage. Eagle News Editor-in-Chief Justin Kane earned $10,917. In exchange for his salary, he oversees a staff of student journalists and assumes responsibility for any legal issues.
